DrumBeat News Vol 8 No 7: Jim Chapin Tribute

Tiger Bill Talk

I’m sorry to say that we lost Jim Chapin, who passed away on the 4th of July. He would have turned 90 on July 23rd! Jim’s first, and most famous work, was his book Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer. When he first published it in 1948, most drummers couldn’t play it and didn’t believe anyone could. So Jim started carrying around a pair of drumsticks everywhere he went to prove it! This now classic book, ahead of its time when first published, is one of the first and most important books any drummer can have to begin their journey into independence. If you’re not familiar with this classic guide to 4-way coordination, I strongly suggest that you pick up a copy.

I first met Jim in 1971 at Joe Morello’s drum studio when he had released the second volume of his classic work Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer subtitled The Open End and it truly was! The book contained a unique system of page overlays that you could use to create literally endless variations of exercises for developing 4-way independence. I still have the original copy that Jim signed for me:

Jim was the sort of Drumhead who never lost the initial love for drumming that he had as a kid. And he never lost the habit of carrying around a pair of drumsticks and a practice pad. Wherever he went, he could be seen giving an impromptu lesson! Even toward the end of his life whenever he picked up a pair of sticks, the years seemed to fade away and he became young again.

Here’s a clip of Jim that I took backstage at a major drum event showing Jim doing what he loved best:
[flashvideo file=http://www.tigerbill.com/media/mdfestchapin.flv /]

I have more video of Jim in my archives and will get it online as soon as I can dig it all out! Jim Chapin was a long time friend, a fine drummer, and an excellent teacher. He will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences go out to his family. God Bless you Jim.

And what have I been up to over the past month? Well, it seems that my long-time search for the ultimate drumhead is finally over! No, I’m not referring to a drummer but an actual drumhead! I’ve just discovered Aquarian Super 2 drumheads! Roy Burns sent a set for me to test out on my kit and I liked them so much that I refused to give them back. So he had no choice but to sign me on as an endorser!

I will soon be posting a comprehensive video review on these incredible sounding drumheads so stay tuned. I also dig their Tru-Bounce practice pads that accurately mimic the same feel and sound you get from playing on the edge and center of a real snare drum! Check them out for yourself at the Aquarian Website. And tell them Tiger Bill sent you!

There’s lots of other stuff happening but I’m keeping it under wraps for a little bit longer. I can tell you this – there are some huge additions to more than one of my websites coming soon!

For now, please enjoy the rest of the newsletter and don’t be shy. Drop me an email or leave a comment on this blog. I’d love to hear from you!

Have fun and stay loose!

What DrumHeads Are Saying…

Love your site and your contributions to drumming technique and inspiration! Thanks so much, Bill!

Peace,
Darren Fisher

(Note: Above quote used with permission.)

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Until next time:
Take care, have fun, stay loose, and I’ll see you online!Tiger Bill

5 Comments

Bill, the article about the great Jim Chapin is a great testament to the man,although I meet Jim just the once I can not claim to have known him as such. In 2005 (I think) or 2006 while performing at our Cape Breton Int Drum Fest Dom Famularo called Jim on his cell Phone and they put it over the PA, Jim spoke to the full house then in his amazing way, played on the practice pad to the attendees, what an amazing thing that was, and speaks volumes about the man, he will be sadly missed.
The News re Uriel Jones, I spoke with June the other day and she was thrilled that the Funk Brothers were getting the Star, there is also a memorial concert for Uriel in Detroit later this month.

Bill you are a huge inspiration to all drummers and I am so thankful of the day when we meet in LA at the breakfast table in the hotel we were both staying at…funny how things happen.
All the best to you and your family.

Jim Chapin was a key figure in developing modern drum technique. I would not be half the drummer I am if it hadn’t been for the things I learned in his books. Thank you for writing a great article about his work. RIP Jim